'University students can contest in 13th GE'

Malaysian university students can contest during the upcoming 13th General Election, provided they are eligible to do so, said Higher Education deputy minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah.

He said the University and University Colleges Act 1971, which was amended last year, allowed the students to join any political party and to contest as well.

"They now have the freedom to determine their political paths, but must still comply with the rules and regulations of the country.

"The students' voices have been heard by the government but they must be wise in choosing a party or non-governmental organisation (NGO) which matches the nation's aspiration," he said, here today.

Saifuddin, who is Temerloh member of parliament, also suggested that the students take part as observers first before contesting in the general election.

He added that the Election Commission had appointed 16 NGOs as domestic observers for the upcoming 13th General Election and it would be a good idea for the students to obtain some exposure on the local political scene from any one of them.